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Synonym Chooser

How is the word begin different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of begin are commence, inaugurate, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.

begin a trip
began dancing

How is commence related to other words for begin?

Commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.

commence firing
commenced a conversation

When could inaugurate be used to replace begin?

The words inaugurate and begin are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.

the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine

When would initiate be a good substitute for begin?

While the synonyms initiate and begin are close in meaning, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.

initiated diplomatic contacts

Where would start be a reasonable alternative to begin?

The synonyms start and begin are sometimes interchangeable, but start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.

the work started slowly

How are the words usher in and inaugurate related as synonyms of begin?

Usher in is somewhat less weighty than inaugurate.

ushered in a period of economic decline

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of begin The 3-1 deficit proved too much for the Dodgers to surmount — ending a day that had begun with so much optimism around Ohtani’s two-way talents with a dud of a performance and frustrating series loss in Queens. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025 In Afghanistan, a war that began after 9/11, 2,465 American lives were lost, and half that many allied troops in the campaign to oust Al Qaeda. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025 Jennifer Donahue, a spokesperson for Massachusetts state courts, confirmed day 15 of the trial is set to begin at 9 a.m. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 15 May 2025 After an ear-splitting sound, the wind began to calm. Gwen Rockwood, Arkansas Online, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for begin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for begin
Verb
  • The finding suggested that commencing metformin after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was associated with a better chance of living longer, compared to commencing sulfonylurea.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 May 2025
  • Soon Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco arrived at his one-day event, and the cone drills and photos commenced.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • This is where strategic thinking becomes impactful, as leaders start operating collectively with others to redefine what is possible.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • However, in 2020, with nothing else to do during the COVID-19 pandemic, the actor decided to start working out at home to get his health on track.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Along with Cepeda, Jenkins established the boutique production company Resurgent Pictures in 2022.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • On the ground floor there is also a window display dedicated to its signature web motif in green/red/green and in blue/red/blue established in the mid-1950s.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The bill, aimed at rectifying inequality in land ownership left over from South Africa's racial apartheid system, opens pathways for the government to seize private land for public use – sometimes without compensation.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opened, the Great Smoky Cannabis Company.
    Zack Huffman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • But in other rituals, choice cuts were left raw for the gods, a display that proved to the gods where the meat originated.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 16 May 2025
  • Parts may originate in anywhere from 50 to 120 countries.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Casas said that any such accusations would still require further investigation, but that such information could potentially initiate probable cause.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
  • Three months into a boycott initiated in response to Target’s decision to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, the retailer has reported a decline in sales and profits.
    Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • President Trump’s intermediary deals with China and the U.K. have done little to convince Jamie Dimon that market volatility arising out of White House tariff policy is over.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 16 May 2025
  • This lack of control arises from the sense that nothing will change.
    Woodrie Burich, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The organization, which was founded specifically to challenge changes to Scotland’s Gender Recognition Act, reportedly received £70,000 (roughly $88,200) worth of donations from Rowling herself in 2024.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 27 May 2025
  • Hedy Chang, who founded Attendance Works, a national nonprofit that seeks to combat chronic absenteeism in schools, says research has long shown that after-school programs can also improve student attendance during the school day, among other benefits.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Begin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/begin. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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